Eagles may soar into last 16

BRAZIL are the star attractions in Group G but they may have to work hard for sectional supremacy.

There is sufficient quality in the Brazil squad to justify their status as tournament favourites but they may not have an easy ride in the early stages and could be challenged for top spot by Serbia and Switzerland.

The Samba Stars came up against the European duo in Russia four years ago and took four points, drawing 1-1 with the Swiss and winning 2-0 against the Serbs.

But this time it could be Serbia who cause them greater problems.

Serbia qualified for Qatar impressively, finishing three points above Portugal, and they have a talented team ready to make an impact.

There is quality in their attack with Aleksandar Mitrovic and Dusan Vlahovic likely to play prominent roles, but the Eagles look strong in all areas. Solid defending was a feature of their Nations League campaign in which they conceded just five goals.

Serbia have suffered groupstage exits at three of the last four World Cups but their head coach Dragan Stojkovic was part of the Yugoslavia side who reached the quarter-finals of Italia 90 and he has a team capable of doing something similar.

If Serbia reach their potential it is likely that Switzerland and Cameroon will be the teams to suffer.

The Swiss have reached the last 16 at three of the last four World Cups and remain an organised outfit, but they cannot match the offensive quality of Brazil or Serbia.

Cameroon look the poorest team in the section and may struggle to amass any points.

Best bet Serbia to qualify 2pts 5-4 Betfred